12 apparel makers get occupational health & safety award

Award recepients pose for a photograph with the distinguished guests at the end of the ceremony. Photo Courtesy: ILO

Twelve apparel manufacturers have received Bangladesh government’s award for setting standard in occupational health and safety at their manufacturing units.

Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi and State Minister for Labour and Employment Munnujan Sufian handed over the awards to those manufacturers and 10 others – 24 in total – in the second such edition of awards introduced to build awareness on occupational health and safety.

The awards were handed over at a gala ceremony in Krishibid Institute, Dhaka, on April 28, 2019 – the day Bangladesh observed National Occupational Health and Safety Day.

At the event, the International Labour Organization (ILO) received a special award from Bangladesh government in recognition of its 100 years of service in promoting social justice and decent work, says a press release issued from ILO.

Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi said at the programme: “Occupational safety and health must be our common and collaborative goal. It is important to look after our workers. Otherwise how will they be productive?”

State Minister for Labour and Employment Munnujan Sufian said: “To make our industries safer, two government department – Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE) and Department of Labour (DOL) are working tirelessly.”

Tuomo Poutiainen, Country Director of ILO Bangladesh, commended the Bangladesh government, DIFE, national employers and workers organisations, the Fire Service, the Accord and Alliance/NIRAPON for their collective efforts to establish a culture of workplace safety in Bangladesh.

On behalf of the development partners, High Commissioner of Netherlands in Bangladesh H.E. Harry Verweij said, “While we are working with the government to enhance Occupational Safety and Health, we are also urging the buyers and brands from our countries to be more responsible in their sourcing and to support improvement of working conditions in Bangladesh”.

In her message, President of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturer and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Rubana Huq highlighted the work of the BGMEA in improving OSH. “BGMEA has a special cell to train workers on fire safety, emergency evacuation and first aid. We will try to increase these efforts in future.”